After a while, a reindeer wearing a pink top hat, walking upright like a human, and sporting a blue nose entered the room.
"Oh~ Chopper, where've you been?"
"Doctorine, I just—" Chopper began, but as he glanced over, he noticed someone staring at him. His eyes locked with Kai's amused gaze, causing him to freeze.
Σ( ° △ °|||)_
In a flash, Chopper bolted to the door, only peeking out from behind it as he eyed Kai cautiously.
Kai burst into laughter at the sight. He had always found Chopper's behavior adorable when watching it in the anime, but seeing it in person was even better!
With a grin, Kai teased, "Looks like you're trying to hide~"
A few beads of cold sweat formed on Chopper's forehead. Slowly, he crept back into the room, revealing only a sliver of himself as he continued to stare at Kai.
Kai smirked. "Too late to hide now!"
Dr. Kureha noticed and reassured Chopper. "Chopper, don't worry. Come in. He's not going to hurt you."
Hesitantly, Chopper began inching forward, still eyeing Kai warily with each step.
Kai couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Chopper's really shy around strangers… has he been hurt by humans too much?
Feeling a bit sorry for him, Kai reached into his storage and pulled something out. He held it up and waved it at Chopper, "See? I'm not here to hurt you. In fact, I've got something for you~"
As soon as Chopper spotted the pink cotton candy in Kai's hand, his eyes lit up. The fluffy treat looked absolutely delicious!
Kai handed the cotton candy to Chopper, who eagerly took it and gave it a cautious lick. His face lit up at the sweet taste, and with a polite nod, he said, "Thank you!"
"You're welcome!" Kai smiled warmly. The more he watched Chopper, the more he adored the little reindeer. He couldn't resist reaching out and patting him on the head.
As soon as Kai's hand touched Chopper, the reindeer jolted in surprise and leaped behind Dr. Kureha.
"What are you doing?!" Chopper yelled, looking betrayed. The cotton candy was just to trick me, wasn't it?
Kai raised his hands in mock surrender. "I just think you're cute and wanted to give you a pat!"
"Huh?" Chopper blinked in confusion.
Then…
"Even if you say I'm cute, I won't be happy, you idiot~!" Chopper exclaimed, twisting his body bashfully with a huge grin on his face, clearly pleased despite his words.
Kai laughed heartily. This little reindeer is going to be so much fun to have on the ship in the future!
After a moment, Chopper's excitement wore off, and he glanced at Kai suspiciously.
"Aren't you scared of me talking?"
"Why would I be scared?" Kai asked, genuinely curious.
"Because… I'm a reindeer that can walk and talk like a human, and I've got a blue nose!" Chopper said, his voice tinged with sadness. Being different had always made him feel like an outcast.
"That's nothing!" Kai replied casually. "You just ate the Human-Human Fruit, right? It's not weird at all."
Chopper's eyes widened in surprise.
"And guess what?" Kai added with a grin. "I ate a Devil Fruit too—same category as yours! Mine's also a Human-Human Fruit!"
"!!!"
Chopper's ears perked up, his excitement returning in full force. He ate the same kind of fruit as me? His fondness for Kai skyrocketed in an instant.
"But wait," Chopper said, frowning slightly. "You're already human… how could you eat the Human-Human Fruit?"
Kai chuckled. "Ah, mine's a bit different. I ate the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Monkey King, a mythical zoan fruit that lets me take on different forms!"
"Ohhh!" Chopper nodded, impressed but still a little confused. "Does that mean my fruit is also a mythical type?"
Kai fought back laughter, barely managing to keep a straight face. "Yup! Yours is the legendary… Human-Human Fruit, Model: Common Folk!"
Chopper blinked. "Common folk? What's that?"
Kai nearly lost it but kept his composure. "Let me tell you, this form is incredible. I can't go into all the details, but trust me, it holds unimaginable power. Far beyond my Monkey King form!"
(☆_☆)!
Chopper's eyes sparkled with awe. "Wow, so my fruit is that powerful?"
"Absolutely! Pfft…" Kai couldn't help it anymore and finally burst out laughing.
Chopper tilted his head, confused. "Why are you laughing?"
Kai tried to rein in his laughter. "Just remembered something funny!"
"What was it?"
"My… relative's wife just had a baby!"
"Oh, that is happy news!" Chopper said, nodding with a big smile.
Kai nodded, still chuckling. "Yeah… that's right. Hahaha…"
As Kai finally managed to calm down, he couldn't stop smiling at Chopper's trusting expression. Maybe it's better if Chopper keeps believing in this little lie. It won't hurt him, right?
After their amusing exchange, Kai and Chopper seemed to grow much closer. Dr. Kureha, watching them from the sidelines, couldn't help but smile as well.
It's been so long since I've seen Chopper this happy, she thought.
Then she turned to Kai, eyes narrowing with interest. This kid…
Out of nowhere, Kai turned to Chopper with a gleam in his eye.
"Chopper, how about joining our crew?"
"WHAT?!!!"
m9( `д ́ )!!!
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Power Stones would be appreciated if you liked the story.